Colorado Preservation, Inc.
OUR MEMBERS
The dedication and support of our members is vital to CPI’s success. Without passionate individuals, the organization would face significant challenges in its mission to preserve Colorado's history for future generations. Member commitment and involvement help ensure that the rich historical heritage of Colorado is safeguarded and that the stories of the past are passed down to inspire and educate the generations to come.
42%ofmembersare from outsidetheDenver
22% of donors have donated toCPIfor atleastsix consecutiveyears
44% of CPI’scurrentmembers were new in2025
UPCOMINGEVENTS
JUNE 13 & 14
AUG 29
OCT 3
DEC 3
OntheRoadinBuenaVista
Chinking&Daubing101–PreservationTradesWorkshop
BeyondLatex– PreservationTrades Workshop
MemberHolidayParty
FEB 10-12 2027SavingPlacesConference
AUG 21 CentennialMemberPicnic
Summer and Fall Endangered Places Program
Weekend Workshops To be Announced Soon
OurMission
our mission
Colorado Preservation, Inc. promotes and advances historic preservation statewide by providing advocacy, education, outreach, and technical assistance. We work with all individuals and communities to ensure Colorado’s historic places remain vibrant, relevant, and valued for both present and future generations.
Founded in 1984 as Preservation Action Colorado, a group of 43 citizens dedicated to preserving the state’s built heritage launched this organization to encourage preservation efforts statewide. A year later, with a new name, Colorado Preservation, Inc., and 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, grassroots volunteers defined our role as an effective preservation organization through education programs, public policy advocacy, and a newsletter. In the ensuing years, important programs were initiated and the roster of accomplishments grew, thanks to the ongoing dedication of our many partners across the state, committed executive directors, talented staff, and an allvolunteer board.
FETCHER RANCH, ROUTT COUNTY
OurPrograms
cpi’s programs
Since 1998, Colorado Preservation, Inc., has been working with communities throughout the state to save endangered historic buildings, landscapes, and archaeological sites through its Endangered Places Program.
This program provides advocacy, awareness, and technical assistance to significant historic resources throughout Colorado that are in danger of being lost. Colorado Preservation, Inc., devotes staff time and resources to rally concerned citizens and build local capacity so that listed as well as un-listed locations can be saved. In 28 years, Colorado’s Most Endangered Places program has highlighted 149 historic resources throughout the state. Fifty-seven resources have been SAVED, and only nine have been lost. The program has a significant reach, with sites located in every region of the state in 58 of the 64 counties.
149
Endangeredhistoric resourcesassistedthrough the EndangeredPlaces Program
57
Historicendangered resources SAVED forfuture generations
Colorado Preservation, Inc.
ENDANGERED PLACES PROGRAM WeekendWorkshops
CPI’s Endangered Places Program gives the public a hands-on role in saving the state's most threatened historic resources. Each summer, CPI hosts free Weekend Workshops that pair volunteers with preservation professionals at sites across Colorado. No experience is required. Volunteers simply bring curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a readiness to get their hands dirty.
Since 2008, CPI has conducted more than 20 workshops statewide, where participants have helped rebuild stables, relay historic roofing, restore timber walls, repair historic windows, and much more. In 2026, Colorado Preservation, Inc. will introduce a workshop focused on adobe-specific training to deepen volunteer skills in traditional construction and maintenance. These workshops are made possible through the generous support of donors, sponsors, and partner organizations, including the State Historical Fund, Alpine Bank, Deep Roots Craftsmen, and the John K. and Barbara A. Rankin Revocable Trust.
To get involved, become a member of Colorado Preservation, Inc. and sign up for the newsletter to receive updates on upcoming workshop opportunities.
Colorado Preservation, Inc., offers a variety of preservation-related fee-based services for individuals, organizations, and communities, including grant writing, grant management, and tax credit applications. We are also available and eager to help fellow preservationists and interested parties, at no fee, to navigate the world of preservation through coaching, brainstorming, and general guidance.
Preservation Services offers assistance in the following:
Tax Credit Application Services
Grant Writing Assistance
Grant/Project Management
cpi’s programs
The Saving Places Conference is an essential annual event for those passionate about preserving historic and cultural landmarks. With its multi-day format, it offers a diverse range of educational content and networking opportunities for individuals, organizations, and communities dedicated to safeguarding our shared past.
At its core, the conference emphasizes storytelling of endangered landmarks, their historical significance, and the urgent need for preservation. By providing a platform for members to share these narratives, the conference raises awareness and empowers attendees to disseminate crucial information to communities nationwide.
Drawing attendees from various states, the conference serves as a melting pot of diverse perspectives and experiences. Engaging speakers, including professionals, thought leaders, and activists, offer insights through sessions, workshops, tours, and roundtable discussions, catering to attendees at all stages of their preservation journey.
ofAttendeesReportedthe 2025conferenceMetor ExceededtheirExpectations
39
650+
Years ofeducatingand connecting peoplewhocare aboutcultureandhistory atthe SavingPlaces Conference
Attendeesatthe2026Saving PlacesConference
98%
cpi’s programs
OntheRoad...
Aspartofourconference,CPIhostsSaving PlacesOntheRoad,aweekendprogramthat exploreshowhistoricpreservationplanning createshealthyandvibrantcommunitiesacross Colorado.
Thistwo-daypubliceventcelebratesthehistory andheritageofsmallcommunitiesthroughout thestate.Participantsenjoyrarebehind-thescenestoursofColorado'smostuniquehistoric places,whileaneveningcelebrationshowcases localfoodandbusinesses.
Throughouttheprogram,CPIengageslocal stakeholderstoshareinsightsaboutarea resources,helpingparticipantsunderstandthe distinctopportunitiesandchallengesfacing historicpreservationineachcommunity.
“Those who’ve never attended don’t know what they’re missing!”
“My love for Pueblo grew exponentially as I learned more about this amazing town and its rich history.”
“On the Road is a great experience to learn about an area in all of its aspects: History, the built environment, social aspects, and ethnic groups, all while mingling with interesting people from all over the state. Much more than most ‘tour businesses’ could provide even at a great cost. “
--2025OntheRoadinPuebloAttendees
OntheRoadinPueblo(2025)
cpi’s programs
The Dana Crawford and State Honor Awards, presented by Colorado Preservation, Inc., stand as prestigious acknowledgments within the field of historic preservation in the state Each year, Colorado Preservation, Inc recognizes the efforts of individuals, organizations, public agencies, and businesses from across the state of Colorado, whose work demonstrates excellence in historic preservation.
Accomplishments are recognized in the areas of:
Preservation
Rehabilitation
Stewardship
Preservation Leadership
Philanthropy
The Dana Crawford Award, the highest distinction conferred by Colorado Preservation Inc , honors individuals whose leadership and impact have significantly advanced the cause of preservation beyond individual projects. This accolade celebrates the enduring legacy of pioneers like Dana Crawford, whose vision continues to shape the preservation landscape in Colorado.
Complementing the Dana Crawford Award, the State Honor Awards recognizes the efforts of individuals, organizations, and projects that have made significant strides in preserving Colorado’s resources. Whether through the meticulous restoration of historic structures, advocacy for the protection of cultural landmarks, or innovative educational initiatives, the State Honor Awards shine a spotlight on exemplary endeavors that contribute to the collective preservation efforts across the state.
cpi’s programs
Advocacy is a critical part of CPI’s mission, and it is our role to ensure that important information about preservation issues reaches the public, community leaders, and decision-makers. We work to raise awareness about the policies, legislation, and funding decisions that directly impact Colorado’s historic places and the communities that benefit from them. By providing timely, accurate information and clear calls to action, we empower our supporters to become effective advocates—helping to amplify the preservation message and demonstrate to legislators the realworld importance of protecting Colorado’s historic resources. Together, through informed and active advocacy, we can shape policies that sustain preservation efforts for generations to come.
Preservation doesn’t happen by chance, it happens through action. While dedicated individuals and communities work every day to protect and adapt the places that reflect Colorado’s heritage, those efforts must be supported by strong public policies, sustainable funding, and informed decisionmaking at every level of government. Advocacy ensures that historic places remain a priority when critical decisions about development, funding, and community planning are made.
“Preservationdoesn’thappenby chance,it happensthroughaction.”
mission in action
VoicesinPreservation
Our mission to preserve places of cultural significance includes telling the stories of communities whose histories were historically underrepresented or misrepresented, ensuring a fuller, more inclusive public memory.
TheFeminilasBuilding
Listed as one of Colorado's Most Endangered Places in 2023, the Feminilas Building was constructed around 1920 as the only known structure owned and operated by the women's auxiliary of the SPMDTU (Society for the Mutual Protection of United Workers), a Hispanic men's labor organization. Preserving the Feminilas Building will help keep the unique lifeways, language, and culture of the Culebra Valley and the traditional contributions of Hispanic women alive.
Since the listing, CPI has worked closely with the building's owners, including Junita Martinez, the last known Feminilas member in El Rito. In November 2024, CPI led an on-site mothballing workshop, stabilizing the adobe structure and training volunteers in traditional building techniques. In 2025, thanks to local leadership and History Colorado's 150 Places for 150 Years initiative, the building earned National Register designation.
This recognition provides greater protection, visibility, and access to preservation resources. The Feminilas Building remains a powerful symbol of mutual aid, resilience, and women's quiet but transformative community influence
Colorado Counties Served
Preservation Services Projects
Preservation Services & Endangered Places Program Projects
Endangered Places Program Projects
91% OF COLORADO COUNTIES served by CPI’s PROGRAMS
Years of preservingplaces thatmatter
ofColorado’s64counties served by CPI‘ s programs
145 Grants managed to ensurehistoricand cultural resourcesare preserved
Colorado Preservation, Inc. (CPI) was founded in 1984 as a 501(c)3 donor-supported nonprofit organization. CPI promotes and advances historic preservation statewide by providing advocacy, education, outreach, and technical assistance. We work with all individuals and communities to ensure Colorado’s historic places remain vibrant, relevant, and valued for both present and future generations.
Welcome to CPI’s ongoing work to protect Colorado’s rich heritage. By preserving our historic places, we help communities thrive, creating jobs, attracting tourism, and strengthening local economies while keeping our past relevant and valued for today and for generations to come.
@coloradopreservation
facebook.com/coloradopreservation
lorado Preservation, Inc. Staff:
nnifer Orrigo Charles, Executive Director rigocharles@coloradopreservation.org
atie Peterson, Endangered Places Program Director eterson@coloradopreservation.org
Amy Aschliman, Preservation Services Director aaschliman@coloradopreservation.org
Amanda Tollberg, Events & Development Manager atollberg@coloradopreservation.org
Stephanie Bakken, Stategic Engagement Officer sbakken@coloradopreservation.org
Kate McCoy, Ph.D., Historic PreservationTax Credit Specialist kmccoy@coloradopreservation.org
Become a member!
CPI members are the heart of our organization and ensure our mission-critical work continues. Members receive special benefits, including reduced pricing, exclusive events, and early notification of rare behind-the-scenes tours. Every membership dollar supports mission activities and leads to the protection of Colorado’s unique heritage.
The Saving Places Conference is an annual event for those passionate about preserving historic and cultural landmarks. With its multi-day format, the conference offers a diverse range of educational content and networking opportunities for individuals, organizations, and communities dedicated to safeguarding our shared past.
Beyond education, the conference fosters meaningful connections and collaborations through informal discussions. Attendees have the opportunity to forge lasting relationships, laying the groundwork for future partnerships in heritage conservation.
Throughout the year, CPI offers preservation trainings and workshops to advance education in the field.
paid for in part by a History Colorado State Historical Fund grant
CPI’s Dana Crawford and State Honor Awards stand as prestigious acknowledgments within the field of historic preservation in the state. These awards recognize outstanding contributions in various categories such as historic rehabilitation, advocacy, and education. They serve to highlight notable projects and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and innovation in preserving Colorado’s cultural heritage.
CPI offers a range of preservation-related, fee-based services for individuals, organizations (including forprofit entities), and communities. Our services include technical assistance, grant writing and management, project phasing, guidance on assembling a team of experts, and historic preservation tax credit services.
In addition, we provide free coaching, brainstorming, and general assistance to fellow preservationists and interested parties to help navigate the world of preservation. Preservation Services offers the following:
Tax Credit Application Services Grant Writing
Grant & Project Management
Technical Assistance
Ready to get started on your historic preservation project? Contact Amy Aschliman, aschliman@coloradopreservation.org
If you are looking for more information on securing Historic Preservation Tax Credits contact Kate McCoy, kmccoy@coloradopreservation.org
Colorado’sMostEndangeredPlacesprogram (EPP)bringscriticalattention,education,and technicalassistancetothreatenedhistoric resourcesincommunitiesstatewide.Theprogram includesover140resourceslocatedineveryregion ofthestate.Listedresourcesrangefrom agriculturalandindustrialbuildingstoplacestied tothemesofeducation,transportation, entertainment,andColorado’searlysettlement. ThroughEPP,CPIworkswithlocaladvocates, citizens,municipalities,businesses,and organizationstosavethreatenedresourcesthat areregionallyandethnicallydiverse,historically significant,andreflectiveofgreaterpreservation issuesthreateningheritageresourcesstatewide. Check-inwithusregardingopportunitiestotour listedresourcesandworkdirectlytosavethem throughannualvolunteerworkshops.
EPP nominations may be submitted throughout the year by the public through CPI's website.
CPI’sBoardofDirectors
CPI’sStaff
Jennifer Orrigo
WelcometoCPI
